Andrew Tankel started the game-winning sequence when he collected a loose ball and passed it quickly to Stephen Wright, who served the ball into the right side of the Winter Springs penalty area.

Bruno came sprinting in and got to the ball just before a Winter Springs defender and Bears goalkeeper David Lebar, putting just enough foot to it to direct it into the net and break a 1-1 tie in the 68th minute.

"I was trying to put the ball in the net," said Bruno. "I saw my opportunity and I wasn't going to let it go.

"I wanted to win this game for the team, so I gave it everything I had on that play."

Winter Springs (17-4-5) struck first in the ninth minute when Eammon Murphy scored on a play that foreshadowed Bruno's game-winner, using his speed to beat a Winter Park defender and the Wildcats goalie to a ball served out of the back.

"We were somewhat concerned when we fell behind early," said Winter Park assistant coach Brian Hinz. "But this team has the drive and determination to do what it takes."

Had it not been for the stellar play of Lebar -- who had eight saves, most on shots from point-blank range -- Winter Park (25-0-3) could have easily had a two- or three-goal advantage at halftime.

As it was, all the Wildcats could manage was the game-tying goal eight minutes before halftime when Matt Sojourner headed home a corner kick by Dustin McCarty.

"Winter Park is a great team and I think they played one of their best games of the season tonight," said Winter Springs Coach Kavan Howell. "But David played his absolute best, the best I've ever seen him play."

Winter Park advances to play the 6A-Region II champion (either Clearwater Countryside or Tampa Gaither) in the state semifinals next Thursday at noon.